Results as per attached pics for your viewing pleasure. On the microcode update I used MMTool v3.19 in win XP SP3 compatibility mode to insert the update.Other versions 3.22 & 3.26 wouldn't allow the ROM module to load for some obscure reason.

Also I've updated the MB: ASUS Z87-Deluxe using the flashback methodIntel RAID ROM 14.6.0.2285 seems to perform best while 14.6.1.2340 and 14.7.0.1000 appear to take performance hits on CrystalDiskMark still messing around with this.|addpics|1kh-5-e221.jpg,1kh-3-cb27.png,1kh-4-7ba2.png|/addpics|

Have you ever tried to run the Intel RST RAID driver v11.2.0.1006 in combination with the Intel RAID ROM v11.2.0.1527?According to my own experience this is by far the best performing RAID0 driver/ROM combo, even for Z87 and Z97 systems. The WRITE scores are outstanding! For details you may look into my just updated RAID0 benchmark comparison test results (>LINK<).

Thanks for the suggestion, I shall give that a whirl in the near future.

I just ordered a Samsung 950 Pro PCIe SSD 512GB which I am going to attempt to install in the Asus Z87-Deluxe with an adapter board for NVMe experimentation...hence the mucking around with the v14 Raid Roms.

* Intel RAID ROM from 14.0.0.xxxx to 14.8.2.2397: no issues with single HDDs, DVD-ROMs, RAID1 HDDs (tested with 2x 3TB Seagate for a few months)* Intel RAID ROM 14.8.2.2397 with TRIM support: corrupt in first day SSD RAID0 (2x Samsung 850 PRO)...so looks like 14.x branch not works propertly with my mobo when i use SSDs or maybe the problem is RAID0 mode (still not sure)*I downgrate to Intel RAID ROM 13.5.0.2164 with TRIM support. It has no issues with originally Intel RST 14.8.0.1042 Drivers wich I still using.

Right now on single Intel controller i have: RAID0 SSD 2x Samsung 850 Pro 256Gb, RAID1 HDD 2x Seagate 3Tb, HDD Seagate 250Gb and DVDRAM Samsung. So all my 6 ports are in work without issues!

optional: Remarks (in case of success: noticeable advantage, in case of a failure: possible reason):Update: Bought couple 40 euro kingston sandforces in true "array of inexpensive disks" fashion. I did manage to get trimtest tool to pass 'em with 11.2.0.1006 drivers, but they still failed w. Anvil benchmark's trim test. I do suspect it's more of a sandforce issue than the mod, but I can't confirm the trim working. The loss of ultrafast boot was too much to keep testing ROM only drivers, so I picked 11.6 and carried on. CPU going at 4,4Ghz now what's pretty nice for old board w/o Vcore adjustment. Does 4,5 but voltages get pretty high.. well it's watercooled, but not worth it atm. ( http://ranker.sisoftware.net/show_run.ph...590ad9dbbc8f5c5 ). On old review they only managed to get x41 multiplier for their sandy I7 ( http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/4304/as...iew/index5.html ). The kingston hyper x blu kit turned out to be one of the wonders of the world, 10-10-10 @ 1600 rated mems running happily at 11-12-11 @ 2133 on default voltage. Seems it's quite common; http://www.overclockersclub.com/reviews/..._ddr31600/3.htm Even managed to run some test at 2400Mhz, but yet to discover stability ( MB claims 2133 is max supported tho ).

// I noticed slight CPU performance drops even on x44 multiplier so gonna upgrade the MB cooling before further tests, temps we're quite high even on defaults due mini-itx case w. watercooling.. will have to see if it improves performance. VRM's seem identical to http://www.overclock.net/t/1301979/trini...0#post_18778199

Before I will transfer your report into the BIOS Modding Success/Failure table, I would like to know,a) whether you have verified, that the inserted Intel RAID ROM/EFI RaidDriver modules v14.8.2.2397 were properly working with your Z68 Chipset system running in RAID mode andb) why you have inserted these brandnew Intel RAID ROM/EFI RaidDriver modules, although Intel 6-Series Chipsets natively are not supported by them.

Good point, I tried the older driver version at first, but when I chose the final mod bios files I just trusted the newest version from installer it seems. And no I've not confirmed RAID on it, running single SATA600 HDD on ACHI.

@Hurri-Khan:Thanks for your reply, which makes clear, that your reported "success" regarding the insertion of the latest Intel RAID ROM/EFI RaidDriver module has been correct, but useless or even misleading for users with a similar system, which is running in RAID mode.As a consequence I will not transfer your report into the table.